Process for preparing snuff composition

ABSTRACT

A method for the preparation of a nicotine-cellulose combination, the method comprising simultaneous loading of the nicotine on the cellulose and agglomeration of the particles so as to obtain a suitably loaded combination with a mean particle size that is suitable for use e.g. in snuff compositions packed in pouches of gauze or other materials with opening. The invention further relates to the use of such a nicotine-cellulose combination for the preparation of a snuff composition for achievement of a fast onset of action of nicotine after application of the snuff composition to the oral cavity of a subject, wherein the composition has a high release rate so that when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test about 45% or more of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes. Moreover, the invention relates to an improved snuff composition for application to the oral cavity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a nicotine-cellulose combination suitable for use in a snuff composition, notably for achievement of a fast onset of action of nicotine after application of the snuff composition to the oral cavity of a subject. The method of the present invention provides a nicotine-cellulose combination with a mean particle size that is suitable for use in those cases where the snuff composition is packaged in e.g. gauze or other kinds of material that have openings of a certain size. At present no cellulose quality for phamaceutical use is commercially available that has a suitably relatively large particle size (i.e. about 200 μm or more). In a specific embodiment, the composition has a high release rate so that when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test about 45% or more of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes. Moreover, the invention relates to an improved snuff composition for application to the oral cavity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wet snuff is a variant of nicotine addition mainly seen in the US and Scandinavia and particularly in Sweden, where this variant is used on a daily basis by approximately 20% of men.

Although wet snuff is not implicated in the cardiovascular and lung disease morbidity and mortality caused by smoking, the content of nitrosamines poses a potential hazard for some cancer diseases. It is therefore of interest to make available to consumers a snuff-like product while minimising this potential hazard.

The vascular area at the administration route and the fact that the snuff is fixed over a long period of time gives an opportunity for both a quick and thorough uptake of nicotine over the mucosa. To develop a new medicated snuff bag—Snuff Similar—with similar nicotine effects but without the carcinogenic risks derived from the tobacco was the objective for this project. To reach other countries in Europe and worldwide, one approach would be to have a product that is more clean and more socially acceptable in its appearance. By using the white cellulose complex this could be achieved. A more socially acceptable alternative might also potentially increase usage, especially among women

Due to the slow wetting and thereby release, migration and absorption of nicotine, nicotine release from snuff bags is incomplete in vivo. A present snuff variant on the market is “General white” (Swedish Match AB), has a loaded amount of 8.0 mg nicotine per snuff bag and an approximate in vitro release of 1.4 mg over a period of 30 minutes. The release in vivo is consequently less than 20%. This is mainly due to the low amount of saliva available to dissolve the nicotine and to the fact that the snuff bag is kept in place over the time of administration. Accordingly, in order to load as little nicotine as possible, there is a need for snuff bag compositions, which have a higher total release of nicotine. This will also imply that less nicotine is used in the method for preparation of such snuff compositions, which is also beneficial from an economic and an environmental point of view.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a further development of previously described finding by the inventors (cf unpublished patent application PCT/EP2007/002343 which is hereby incorporated in its entirety). Moreover, the compositions specifically mentioned in this application are not subject of the present invention and may be disclaimed, if needed. The present inventors have observed that the compositions described in the above-identified PCT application in some cases have a too small mean particle size to enable the composition to be sufficiently retained in e.g. gauze pouches. Normally, gauze pouches have a mesh of about 200 μm, and in order to ensure that the composition does not fall out through the openings, the nicotine-cellulose combination must have a mean particle size of at least about 200 μm. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the use of such a nicotine-cellulose combination for the preparation of a snuff composition for achievement of a fast onset of action of nicotine after application of the snuff composition to the oral cavity of a subject. The composition has a high release rate so that when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test about 45% or more of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes.

In general the onset of the nicotine effect is within 5 minutes such as, e.g. within 4 minutes, within 3 minutes, within 2 minutes or within 1.5 minutes after application of composition between the lip and the teeth of a subject.

In the present context the term “nicotine-cellulose combination” is intended to denote a solid material composed of a cellulose which has sorbed (adsorbed and/or absorbed) a well-defined amount of nicotine (either as free base or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, complex or solvate) e.g. in voids or pores within the cellulose. The terms “nicotine-cellulose adduct” and “nicotine-cellulose carrier complex” as used herein are intended to have the same meaning as the term “nicotine-cellulose combination”. As used herein cellulose is an example of a carrier.

In WO 2004/056363 (to the same Applicant) is described such a nicotine-cellulose combination for release of nicotine. However, there is no disclosure of the use of such a material for the preparation of a snuff composition for use in the oral cavity. The present inventors have found that it is necessary to load the cellulose with nicotine in the same process as agglomeration of the cellulose/nicotine-cellulose combination is carried out. If the two steps are carried out in two separate processes, the following has been observed:

i) If agglomeration is carried out in a first step (i.e. the mean particle size of the cellulose employed has been increased to a certain size—normally at least 200 μm such as, e.g. at least 250 μm, at least 300 μm, at least 350 μm or at least about 400 μm) it is difficult to load the agglomerated cellulose with a reproducible concentration of nicotine. This is most likely due to a competing process, whereby liquid already filling up internal voids and/or pores must be replaced by nicotine, but once the voids or pores already are filled, it becomes more difficult to displace the liquid and fill the voids/pores with nicotine. ii) if agglomeration is carried out after nicotine has been loaded to the cellulose, the liquid employed in the agglomeration process initiates a release of the nicotine from the cellulose, i.e. either no nicotine is present in the voids/pores after such a process or at least a much lower concentration than desired is present.

Accordingly, the present inventors have developed a novel method for loading the cellulose with nicotine and at the same time building up a larger mean particle size.

Moreover, the present inventors have found that the use of such a nicotine-cellulose combination is especially suitable for use in a snuff composition as such a snuff composition, on the one hand releases nicotine relatively fast and thereby enables a fast onset of the nicotine effect, and on the other hand enables the nicotine content in the snuff composition to be completely or almost completely released after application in the oral cavity. The complete or almost complete release is also seen after encapsulating of the snuff composition in a suitable bag, pouch or membrane. The bag or pouch may be of any suitable material e.g. wowen or non-wowen fabric (e.g. cotton, fleece etc.), heat sealable non-wowen cellulose or other polymeric materials such as a synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural polymeric material as described herein. A material suitable for use must provide a semi-permeable membrane layer to prevent the powder or composition from leaving the bag or pouch during use. Suitable materials are also those that do not have a significant impact on the release of nicotine from the composition. To the best of the inventor's knowledge, the nicotine/tobacco snuff products available on the market today only releases a part of the nicotine contained in the snuff product (see the Examples herein).

The snuff is normally in the form of a bag or pouch suitable for buccal administration (e.g. to be inserted between the lip and the teeth) and the bag or pouch comprises the nicotine in the form of a nicotine-cellulose combination. In a particular interesting embodiment, the cellulose is microcrystalline cellulose having a mean particle size of about 180 μM. An example of a suitable quality is e.g. Avicel PH-200.

The snuff composition according to the present invention may also comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or additives that are suitable for buccal administration. Such agents include—but are not limited to—fillers, binders, wetting agents, stabilizing agents, coloring agents, surface active agents, pH adjusting agents, absorption enhancers, taste-masking agents, flavoring agents, texture-improving agents, etc.

The nicotine-cellulose combination (normally together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or additives) may be enclosed in a membrane material. The membrane may be a natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic hydrophilic or hydrophobic membrane. It may be made from one or more biocompatible and physiologically acceptable polymeric material. Examples of suitable membrane materials are cellulose acetate and derivatives thereof, carboxymethyl cellulose, polycellulose ester, other cellulose derivatives including ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polymers of methacrylates and acrylates, natural rubber, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyamide and nylon. Other suitable materials are mentioned herein before.

In keeping with long-standing patent law convention, the words “a” and “an” when used in the present specification in concert with the word comprising, including the claims, denote “one or more.” As used herein “another” may mean at least a second or more. Some embodiments of the invention may consist of or consist essentially of one or more elements, method steps, and/or methods of the invention. It is contemplated that any method or composition described herein can be implemented with respect to any other method or composition described herein.

The invention relates to a snuff composition for buccal administration in the cheek pouch between the cheek and the jaw or under the lip. The composition may include tobacco.

The use of tobacco is deeply rooted in a large part of the world population. In the Scandinavian countries and in particular Sweden the use of moist snuff (snus) is very common as an alternative to smoking. Snuff is fermented and milled/grinded tobacco with a relatively large water content (40-60% w/w), normally to be used under the front upper lip of a human being.

Tobacco itself varies somewhat in nicotine content due to its natural origin. To adjust the nicotine release in moist snuff, various buffer systems may be added, e.g. carbonates. The moist snuff is either packed loosely, as bulk in a box or as single doses in small non-woven bags. A number of the filled and sealed bags are then packed in a box.

The moist snuff as a single dose has become popular due to the ease of use compared to the bulk product. The popularity of moist snuff is most probably due to its pharmacological nicotine absorption profile. The dose of nicotine and speed of absorption is approximately 10 ng per ml over 10 minutes though this may vary between brands. Measurements of plasma nicotine concentrations after a single day of moist snuff consumption also yielded levels similar to cigarette use. The kinetics are slightly slower compared to the kinetics when smoking tobacco, such as e.g. cigarettes and cigars; however, the overall amount of nicotine absorbed is higher when snuff is employed.

A snuff composition according to the invention comprises nicotine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, complex, adduct, or derivative thereof. When subjected to an in vitro dissolution test as described herein for 30 minutes about 30% or more of the total content of nicotine is released. This requirement with respect to in vitro release ensures that a sufficient amount of nicotine is rapidly available for absorption through the oral mucosa. In particular embodiments, about 35% or more such as, e.g., about 40% or more, about 42% or more, about 45% or more, about 50% or more of the total content of nicotine is released. In embodiments of particular interest, the release of nicotine is about 45% or more of the total content of nicotine within 30 minutes (in an in vitro test). Notably, the release within this period of time is about 50% or more such as, e.g., about 60% or more, about 70% or more or about 75% or more of the total content of nicotine in the snuff composition. The same applies to snuff compositions encapsulated in a polymeric membrane as described herein.

One important feature of the present invention is that the snuff composition leads to a rapid appearance of nicotine in the plasma. Accordingly, in general the in vivo uptake of nicotine 30 minutes after buccal administration corresponds to at least about 30% of the total content of nicotine in the snuff. As seen from the examples herein the snuff composition can be formulated so that the in vivo release of nicotine 30 minutes after buccal administration is higher, i.e. it corresponds to at least about 35% such as, e.g., at least about 40%, at least about 42%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70% or at least about 75% of the total content of nicotine in the snuff.

A snuff composition according to the invention normally comprises a carrier comprising internal voids. Such voids may at least partially comprise said nicotine. The carrier is typically insoluble in water or has a low solubility in water. Thus, it typically has a solubility in water at room temperature of less than 1% w/w.

A particular suitable carrier for use in a snuff composition of the invention is a cellulose, such as a microcrystalline cellulose (“mcc”). The cellulose may be synthetic or semi-synthetic celluloses, or it may be derived from natural celluloses. It is normally crystalline such as microcrystalline. Certain specific embodiments may also utilize other forms of carriers, in addition to or including mcc, such as but not limited to fibrous material or carbohydrates including cellulose (including hemicellulose, celluloses with different crystallinities and structures (e.g., varying structures including solid fibers, and addition or including fibers or the like in various structures such as web-like structures and/or other structures), including naturally occurring celluloses including Cladophora sp. Algae cellulose or the like), dextran, agarose, agar, pectin, alginate, xanthan, chitosan, starch (including potato starch, shoti starch) etc. or mixtures thereof. While not intended to be bound by theory, it is believed as of the time of this patent application that nicotine may interact the carrier (for example, mcc or other suitable carrier including other cellulose carriers) by absorbing into and/or adsorbing onto the carrier. Such interaction is completely or nearly completely reversible.

The microcrystalline cellulose may be selected from the group consisting of AVICEL® grades PH-100, PH-102, PH-103, PH-105, PH-112, PH-113, PH-200, PH-300, PH-302, VIVACEL® grades 101, 102, 12, 20 and EMOCEL® grades 50M and 90M, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable carriers may also be those disclosed in WO 2004/064811, which is hereby included by reference.

More specifically, it is contemplated that a relatively high surface area may be of importance for a carrier that is suitable for use. Accordingly, the specific surface area of suitable carriers is normally at least 0.7 m²/g such as, e.g., 1 m²/g. In certain uses the specific surface area may range between about 0.7 m²/g and at least about 100 m²/g and/or may be anything within this range and/or may be any mixture of sizes within this range. For example, in certain embodiments, the surface area may be about 0.7 m²/g, about 1 m²/g, about 1.5 m²/g, about 2.0 m²/g, about 3.0 m²/g, about 5 m²/g, about 7 m²/g, about 10 m²/g, about 15 m²/g, about 20 m²/g, about 25 m²/g, about 35 m²/g, about 45 m²/g, about 50 m²/g, about 75 m²/g, about 100 m²/g and above about 100 m²/g, or combinations thereof. Such carriers having such suitable surface areas may include, but are not limited to, mcc, fibrous material or carbohydrates including cellulose (including hemicellulose, celluloses with different crystallinities and structures (e.g., varying structures including solid fibers, and addition or including fibers or the like in various structures such as web-like structures and/or other structures), including naturally occurring celluloses including Cladophora sp. Algae cellulose or the like), dextran, agarose, agar, pectin, alginate, xanthan, chitosan, starch (including potato starch, shoti starch) etc. and/or mixtures thereof.

More specifically, nicotine may be sorbed on microcrystalline cellulose.

In general, the mean particle size of the cellulose such as e.g. microcrystalline cellulose is e.g., at the most about 500 μm, at the most about 450 μm, at the most about 300 μm, or at the most about 200 μm, or from about 5 to about 500 μm, from 10 to about 500 μm, from 15 to about 500 μm, from about 20 to about 500 μm, from about 30 to about 500 μm, from about 40 to about 500 μm, from about 10 to about 400 μm, from about 20 to about 400 μm, from about 30 to about 400 μm, from about 40 to about 400 μm, from about 30 to about 300 μm, from about 40 to about 300 μm, from about 50 to about 250 μm, from about 50 to about 200 μm or from about 75 to about 200 μM.

However, as described hereinbefore the problem the present invention addresses is that the commercially qualities available have a particle size that is too small in order to enable a retention of the snuff composition when it is placed in e.g. a bag made of gauze. Accordingly, the present invention deals with the specific situation where the cellulose quality that is suitable for sorbing and/or retaining nicotine has a particle size of at the most 200 μm, such as, e.g., from about 5 to about 200 μm, from 10 to about 200 μm, from 15 to about 200 μm, from about 20 to about 200 μm, from about 30 to about 200 μm, from about 40 to about 200 μm, from about 50 to about 200 μm, or from about 75 to about 200 μm.

In a preferred aspect, the mean particle size is in a range of from about 15 to about 250 μm such as from about 20 to about 200 μM. In the examples herein a quality of cellulose such as, e.g., microcrystalline cellulose having a mean particle size of 180 μM has proved to be well-suited for the present purpose.

However, as described above, there are no commercially available pharmaceutically acceptable cellulose qualities that have a mean particle size larger than 180 μm and this mean particle size is too low, when a snuff composition is packaged in e.g. pouches of gauze or other material with openings having a size of about 200 μm. Accordingly, the present inventors have developed a method, which simultaneously loads the cellulose with nicotine and agglomerates the particles. In order to achieve a satisfactory result, the present inventors have found that both loading and agglomeration must take place in one and the same process and using the same nicotine-containing solution for loading of the nicotine into the voids or pores of the cellulose and for agglomerating the particles. In this manner the present inventors have found that it is possible both to obtain a desired load of nicotine into the cellulose material and to obtain a suitable increase in particle size. The resulting mean particle size is from about 200 μm to about 500 μm, notably from about 200 μm to about 300 μm. Moreover, the present inventors have found that use of a high-shear mixer is important for the loading and agglomeration process. The two knifes present in a high-shear mixer enable a uniform load as well as a controlled build-up in particle size. The liquid flow, temperature, speed rate etc. are adjustable parameters and depend on the size of the equipment. Once a person skilled in the art has established suitable settings for one type of apparatus, he will be able to adjust these settings to other apparatuses.

The solvent for nicotine is preferably a volatile solvent such as, e.g., an alcohol, preferably ethanol. The best results are achieved when the solvent is used in a substantially anhydrous (or only with minor amounts of water) quality such as, e.g., 99% or 99.5% ethanol.

The loading and agglomerating solution normally contains from about 5 to about 25% v/v nicotine, dependent on the specific nicotine employed. Thus, if a nicotine salt or complex is employed, the concentration may be even higher provided that it does not exceed the solubility of the nicotine salt or complex in the liquid.

It is important that the process is carried out in a sufficient time to load the cellulose with nicotine and to agglomerate the particles; however, if the process time is too long, the agglomeration may be uncontrollable (i.e. much larger particles are formed) or irregularities with respect to nicotine may be observed. Accordingly, a suitable process time is from about 1 min to about 30 min for the preparation of from about 1 to about 10 kg of the nicotine-cellulose combination. Moreover, it is important that the drying of the wetted combination is relatively fast and without any external heating.

In a preferred embodiment a snuff composition according to the invention contains nicotine as a nicotine-microcrystalline cellulose carrier complex in which said nicotine is at least partly sorbed on microcrystalline cellulose and/or is at least partially absorbed into the carrier and/or is at least partially adsorbed onto the carrier (e.g., cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose), or mixtures thereof. Such interaction is completely or nearly completely reversible

Hence, in certain specific embodiments nicotine is sorbed on microcrystalline cellulose, absorbed into the mcc and/or adsorbed onto the cellulose (e.g. mcc), and/or combinations thereof.

The cellulose carrier (e.g., but not limited to microcrystalline cellulose and/or other naturally-occurring cellulose) is at least partially porous. This porosity may be due, for example but not limited to, the structure of the carrier, for example, branched, fibrous, or weblike structures may have pores. Ranges of pore sizes include but are not limited to pore volumes of about 0.01 cm³/g and include, but are not necessarily limited to pore volume ranges of from about 0.003 cm³/g or less to about 0.025 cm³/g, to about or greater than 0.60 cm³/g.

In general, the nicotine carrier complex or nicotine carrier adduct is present in a snuff composition of the invention in a concentration of at least about 2% w/w such as in a range from about 2% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 2% to about 96% w/w, from about 2% w/w to about 95% w/w, from about 3% w/w to about 90% w/w, from about 4 w/w to about 85% w/w, from about 5% w/w to about 80% w/w, from about 5% w/w to about 75% w/w, from about 5% w/w to about 70% w/w, or from about 7.5% w/w to about 65% w/w.

The amount of nicotine sorbed, for example absorbed into and/or adsorbed onto to carrier can be up to 50% or more of the total weight of the composition. Ranges of the amount of nicotine sorbed onto the carrier in the present invention range for less than about 1% of the total weight of the composition to more than about 50% of the composition, including all amounts within this range. While applicants do not intend the invention to be bound by theory, it is believed at the time of preparing this application that the maximum amount of nicotine that can be sorbed onto and/or into the carrier, thereby affecting the amount, for example the percent nicotine by weight of the total composition (e.g., the maximum percentage) is affected by properties of the carrier, including but not limited to the structure of the carrier, the porosity of the carrier, and the surface area of the carrier.

The concentration of the nicotine carrier complex or nicotine carrier adduct in a composition of the invention is present in a concentration such as, e.g., from about 80% w/w to about 98% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 85% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 90% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 92% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 93% w/w to about 97% w/w or from about 94% w/w to about 96% w/w.

The carrier may be capable of forming a complex with nicotine such as, e.g., in the case that the carrier compound is an ion-exchange compound including polacrilex.

Concentrations and Amounts of Nicotine

As mentioned above, nicotine may be present in any suitable form. Normally, nicotine is selected from the group consisting of nicotine base, nicotine hydrochloride, nicotine dihydrochloride, nicotine monotartrate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine sulfate, nicotine zinc chloride such as nicotine zinc chloride monohydrate and nicotine salicylate. In a preferred aspect, nicotine is in its free base form, which easily can be sorbed on a cellulose to form a microcrystalline cellulose-nicotine carrier complex or carrier adduct.

Normally, nicotine (calculated as the free base) is present in a composition in a concentration of at least about 0.1% w/w such as in a range from about 0.1% w/w to about 50% w/w such as, e.g., from about 0.5% w/w to about 45% w/w, from about 1.0% w/w to about 40% w/w, from about 1.5% w/w to about 35% w/w, from about 2% w/w to about 30% w/w, from about 2.5% w/w to about 25% w/w, from about 2.5% w/w to about 20% w/w, from about 3% w/w to about 15% w/w.

Moreover, a snuff composition according to the invention may contain nicotine in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.1% w/w to about 8% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 6% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 1.5% w/w, from about 0.2% w/w to about 1.0% w/w or from about 0.2% w/w to about 0.8% w/w, calculated as free base.

In a snuff composition of the invention the nicotine is typically present in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 5% w/w, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.1% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 3% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 1% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 0.75% w/w, from about 0.2% w/w to about 0.5% w/w or from about 0.2% w/w to about 0.4% w/w, calculated as free base.

As mentioned above, the nicotine is present in the form of a nicotine-cellulose combination. In general, this combination is present in a concentration of from about 5% to about 100% such as, e.g., from about 10 to about 100%, from about 5% to about 50% or, alternatively, from about 45% to about 100%. The choice of suitable concentration depends on the load of nicotine in the nicotine-cellulose combination and the dosage of nicotine in a single pouch or bag. If the load is relatively high, then the concentration of the combination may be lower than if the load is relatively low. In those cases, where e.g. Avicel® or a similar cellulose quality is used, a concentration of the combination in the composition is generally from about 80% w/w to about 98% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 85% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 90% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 92% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 93% w/w to about 97% w/w or from about 94% w/w to about 96% w/w.

The concentration of nicotine (or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt, complex or solvate thereof) in the combination is at the most 70% w/w such as, e.g., at the most 60% w/w, at the most 50% w/w, at the most 45% w/w. The content of nicotine must not be so high that the combination (which is in powder form) “sweats”, so that nicotine desorbs, evaporates or otherwise disappears from the combination. Accordingly, the load of nicotine in the combination is dependent on the particular cellulose employed. If the surface area of the cellulose material is relatively high, then a larger amount of nicotine can be contained therein in a stable manner during a suitable period of time, whereas a cellulose having a smaller surface area normally is indicative for a lower capacity to load nicotine in a suitable manner with respect to stability.

For most cellulose qualities, the concentration of nicotine in the nicotine-cellulose combination is at the most about 45% w/w, such as, e.g., at the most about 40% w/w, at the most about 35% w/w, at the most about 30% w/w, at the most about 25% w/w, at the most about 20% w/w, at the most about 15% w/w, at the most about 12.5% w/w, at the most about 10% w/w, at the most about 9.5% w/w, at the most about 9% w/w, at the most about 8.5% w/w or at the most about 8% w/w, and the concentration being calculated as the nicotine base.

Typically a nicotine-cellulose combination has a concentration of nicotine or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt, complex or solvate thereof in the combination is at the most about 7.5% w/w such as, e.g., at the most about 7% w/w, at the most about 6.5% w/w, at the most about 6% w/w, at the most about 5.5% w/w, at the most about 5% w/w, at the most about 4.5% w/w, at the most about 4% w/w, at the most about 3% w/w, at the most about 2% w/w or at the most about 1% w/w, and the concentration being calculated as the nicotine base.

The amount of the nicotine compound (calculated as the free base) in a composition of the inventions is generally from about 0.5 mg to about 10 mg such as, e.g., from about 1 mg to about 8 mg, from about 1.5 mg to about 7.5 mg, from about 2 mg to about 5 mg, from about 2.5 mg to about 5 mg, from about 3 to about 10 mg, from about 3 to about 7.5 mg or from about 3 mg to about 5 mg such as, e.g., about 1.5 mg, about 2 mg, about 2.5 mg, about 3 mg, about 3.5 mg, about 4 mg, about 5 mg or about 6 mg, as calculated as free nicotine base. In particular a dosage of 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg is of commercial interest.

Buffering Agents

A composition according to the invention may also contain one or more buffering agents. It is generally known that a slightly alkaline reaction (between 7 and 8) in the oral cavity enhances the absorption of nicotine. Accordingly, it may be and advantage to incorporate a buffer substance in the composition such that a slightly alkaline reaction is provided. Especially compositions for release of the nicotine in the oral cavity can advantageously contain a buffer substance, i.e. compositions like snuff compositions.

Suitable buffering agents are typically those selected from the group consisting of acetates, glycinates, phosphates, glycerophosphates, citrates such as citrates of alkaline metals, carbonates, and hydrogen carbonates, and borates, or mixtures thereof. Especially, a carbonate, a hydrogen carbonate or a phosphate including a triphosphate is suitable as a buffer agent.

If present the one or more buffering agents are present in a concentration from about 0.5% w/w to about 5% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.75% w/w to about 4%, w/w, from about 0.75% w/w to about 3%, w/w or from about 1% w/w to about 2%, w/w.

The concentration of the one or more buffering agents may be from about 0.1% w/w to about 5% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.2% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.3% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.4% w/w to about 3% w/w, from about 0.5% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.6% w/w to about 1% w/w or from about 0.7% w/w to about 0.9% w/w such as about 0.8% w/w.

Sweeteners—Flavouring Agents

In order to improve the sensory properties of the composition according to the invention one or more sweeteners or texture improves may be added, such as sugar alcohols including xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol and/or isomalt, or artificial sweeteners such as e.g. aspartame, acesulfame or saccharin.

The concentration of the one or more sweeteners, if present, is normally at least about 0.05% such as, e.g. from about 0.075% w/w to about 5% w/w or from about 5% to about 35% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 10% w/w to about 35% w/w, from about 15% w/w to about 35% w/w or from about 20% w/w to about 30% w/w. In an interesting embodiment the one or more sweeteners are present in a concentration from about 0.01% w/w to about 0.2% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.01% w/w to about 0.15% w/w, from about 0.02% w/w to about 0.12% w/w, from about 0.03% w/w to about 0.11% w/w, from about 0.04% w/w to about 0.1% w/w, from about 0.05% w/w to about 0.1% w/w, from about 0.06% w/w to about 0.1% w/w or from about 0.07% w/w to about 0.09% w/w such as about 0.08% w/w. As demonstrated in the examples herein a concentration of the one or more artificial sweeteners of about 0.08% gives good sensoric acceptance.

In order to improve the organoleptic properties of a composition according to the invention, the composition may include one or more flavouring agents, such as, e.g., menthol flavour, eucalyptus, mint flavour and/or L-menthol, normally present (total concentration of flavouring agents) in a concentration of from about 0.5% w/w to about 12% w/w, from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w, from about 1.5% w/w to about 9% w/w or from about 2% w/w to about 8% w/w.

The flavour may be mint flavour and the concentration of the one or more flavouring agents is from about 1% w/w to about 15% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w, from about 1.5% w/w to about 8% w/w, from about 2% w/w to about 6% w/w or from about 3% w/w to about 5% w/w such as about 4% w/w. In a specific embodiment, the concentration of the one or more flavouring agents is about 4% w/w.

It is well-known that nicotine is subject to oxidation and accordingly, it may be advantageous to incorporate one or more anti-oxidants, such as, e.g., ascorbyl palmitate and/or sodium ascorbate, in a composition according to the invention.

The one or more anti-oxidants may be present in a concentration of from about 0.4% w/w to about 2.4% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.5% w/w to about 2.2% w/w, from about 0.6% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.7% w/w to about 1.8% w/w or from about 0.8% w/w to about 1.6% w/w.

Specific Embodiments

in specific embodiments the invention relates to

A snuff composition comprising

i) a carrier, ii) nicotine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, complex, or derivative thereof, wherein at least about 30% w/w of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes when said composition is subjected to an in vitro dissolution test.

A snuff composition comprising

i) a nicotine-cellulose combination ii) one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or additive the composition being encapsulated in a bag, pouch or membrane material.

A snuff composition comprising

i) a nicotine-cellulose combination containing from about 0.5 to about 10 mg of nicotine ii) a flavoring agent iii) a sweetener the composition being encapsulated in a bag, pouch or membrane material.

A snuff composition comprising

i) a nicotine-cellulose combination containing from about 0.5 to about 10 mg of nicotine ii) a flavoring agent iii) a sweetener iv) an antioxidant the composition being encapsulated in a bag, pouch or membrane material.

A method of administering a snuff composition with a high release rate comprising the step of:

delivering a snuff composition comprising a carrier combined with nicotine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, complex, or derivative thereof, wherein at least about 30% w/w of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes when said composition is subjected to an in vitro dissolution test.

A method of making a snuff composition with a high release rate, comprising the step of:

combining nicotine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, complex, or derivative thereof, with a carrier, wherein at least about 30% w/w of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes when said composition is subjected to an in vitro dissolution test.

All particulars and details mentioned above relating to the main aspect in general apply mutatis mutandis to the above mentioned specific embodiments.

The invention is further illustrated in the following figures and non-limiting examples.

LEGENDS TO THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an assembly of the dialysis membrane to the silicone hose—the assembly is a part of the dissolution testing apparatus for testing of snuff compositions

FIG. 2 shows an overview of tubing routes in the dissolution testing of snuff compositions

FIG. 3 shows a sample tube for dissolution testing of snuff compositions

FIGS. 4 and 5 show in vitro release profile for snuff compositions described in Example 2

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the in vivo uptake of nicotine from snuff compositions described in Example 3.

FIG. 8 show the plasma concentration versus time for the experiment described in Example 5 comparing Nicorette® chewing gum (4 mg) with a snuff composition of the invention containing 5 mg of nicotine

METHODS In Vitro Dissolution Test

The snuff compositions according to the invention are normally tested to fulfill specific requirements with respect to in vitro release of nicotine. A suitable in vitro test depends on the specific composition in question. In general, a person skilled in the art will find guidance as to how to choose a relevant dissolution test for a specific composition in the official monographs such as, e.g., the European Pharmacopoeia. Below are described suitable dissolution tests in case of snuff compositions.

Snuff

The following dissolution method for testing of the release of nicotine from snuff compositions was used.

The method describes in-vitro release of nicotine from snuff using UV detection. The released nicotine diffuses through a dialysis membrane into a stream of tempered phosphate buffer.

Equipment

UV spectrophotometer HP 8453 or equivalent Sipper HP Peristaltic pump or equivalent Secondary pump Flexicon PF5 or equivalent Magnetic stirrer Labasco or equivalent Water bath Gant W14 or equivalent

Instrument Settings

UV spectrophotometer Wavelengths 244.259 and 274 nm Flow cell 1.000 cm Waterbath Temperature 37° C. Secondary pump Pump flow 30 rpm Magnetic stirrer Rotation Gentle stir

Materials

Dialysis membrane, Spectra/Por®, MWCO 500, Silicon tubing, i.d. 6 mm

Sample Tube

250 ml beaker

Reagents Chemicals & Solvents:

Purified water, H₂O

Sodium Hydroxide, min 98%, NaOH Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate Monohydrat, min 98%, NaH₂PO₄.H₂O Reference Material:

Nicotine bitartrate dihydrate, standard

Solutions:

5 M Sodium hydroxide Phosphate buffer, pH 6.8

Procedure Apparatus Assembly

Cut two pieces of silicon hoses, 150 and 35 cm long. Insert a 3 cm long hard plastic hose (o.d. 7 mm) in one end of the two ‘blood vessels’ for support. Cut a piece of dialysis membrane and pre-treat according to manufacturer. Thread the membrane through two 2.5 cm long silicon hose pieces (i.d. 6 mm). The supported ends of the blood vessels should be inserted approximately 3 cm into the membrane and secured with the two small silicon rings (See FIG. 1).

Add 250 ml phosphate buffer [6] to the 250 ml beaker and add a magnetic bar. Place it in the water bath and start the heating and rotation. Connect the silicone hose to the secondary pump and place the longest part to the beaker. Place a pipette tip (1 ml) into the shorter end to work as a pressure restrictor. The hole in the tip may be expanded in order to adjust the back pressure. Prime the tubing with buffer.

Place the two tubings from the flow cell in the beaker. (See FIG. 2) and obtain a blank measurement.

Stop the flow and fold the membrane on the middle. Use a piece of paper to slide the membrane into the sample tube as far down as possible. Start the pump and carefully insert the snuff bag halfway down the sample tube between the membranes (see FIG. 3). Add phosphate buffer [2] to the tube enough to cover the sample. Place the sample tube in the water bath and start the analysis.

Sampling

Blank: Measure blank before the membrane is placed into the sample tube. Sampling: Withdraw sample online every fifth minute for 30 minutes using the sipper. Measure the absorbance at 244, 259 and 274 nm. Standards: Pump S1-S3 into the flow cell after the sampling sequence. Measure the absorbance at 244, 259 and 274 nm.

Evaluation

The concentrations of nicotine in the samples are calculated.

As an alternative method, USP basket method (in vitro dissolution of tablets) can be used employing 500 ml water as dissolution medium.

REFERENCE EXAMPLES Reference Example 1 Snuff Bag Compositions E, F, G, H, I and J

Nicotine was sorbed onto microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as described in WO 2004/056363. Accordingly, in the present example 2.40 ml nicotine was dissolved in 25 ml ethanol (99.5%). 47.6 g MCC of type PH-102 was loaded into a high-speed mixer and the nicotine was slowly added. After vacuum drying of the obtained wetted mass a fine-grained, white powder of nicotine-microcrystalline cellulose carrier complex was obtained.

Nicotine was sorbed onto microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to obtain nicotine-microcrystalline cellulose carrier complexes essentially as described above. The obtained nicotine-microcrystalline cellulose carrier complexes were mixed with the remaining ingredients to obtain the compositions E, F, G, H, I and J stated in the following table:

Com- Com- Com- Com- Com- Com- posi- posi- posi- posi- posi- posi- COM- tion E tion F tion G tion H tion I tion J POSI- Quan- Quan- Quan- Quan- Quan- Quan- TION tity tity tity tity tity tity Ingre- (mg/ (mg/ (mg/ (mg/ (mg/ (mg/ dient unit) unit) unit) unit) unit) unit) Nicotine 6.00 6.00 6.00 4.00 4.00 6.00 Micro- 138 137 137 139 139 135 crys- talline cellulose Pepper- 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 mint powder flavour Acesul- 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 fame potas- sium Aspar- 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 tame powder Sodium — — — — — 1.20 car- bonate Sodium — 1.20 — 1.20 — 1.20 hydrogen car- bonate Sodium — — 1.20 — 1.20 — triphos- phate Target 150 150 150 150 150 150 Weight Meas- 9.47 9.02 10.4- 8.95 10.3- 9.95 ured 10.8 10.5 pH, 5 g in 100 ml H2O In-vitro 2.6 2.6 2.6- 1.8 1.6- 3.0 release, 2.7 1.7 30 min (mg)* Meas- 5.9 6.0 6.0- 4.2 3.8- 6.3 ured 6.3 4.2 assay

Nicotine was purchased from Siegfried, Switzerland, (batch no. 03381006), Microcrystalline cellulose was purchased from FMC, Belgium (batch no. M301C), Peppermint powder flavour was purchased from Firmenich, Switzerland (batch no. JP05040527), Acesulfame potassium was purchased from L&P Food Ingredient, China (batch no. (ZD02035), Aspartame powder was purchased from NutraSweet, Switzerland (batch no. C000220), Sodium carbonate was purchased from Aldrich, Germany (batch no. A008729PI), Sodium hydrogen carbonate was purchased from Merck, Germany (batch no. K28409723047), Sodium triphosphate was purchased from Sigma, USA (supplied from Swedish Match Sweden).

150 mg of the compositions E-J, respectively, were filled into snuff bags made of a snuff bag material obtained from Swedish Match, Sweden (batch no. W-NR00217, RL-NR6). The snuff bag size used is similar to the present marketed dry snuff bags, i.e. as “Catch® dry”.

Reference Example 2 In Vitro Release from Snuff Bag Compositions E, F, G, H, I and J

Measurement of in vitro release rates of nicotine from snuff bags were performed using an in vitro dissolution test developed at Swedish Match, Stockholm, and utilizing a plastic flow-chamber in a tube with buffer solution combined with UV detection on a spectrophotometer at 260 nm. The details are mentioned above under the heading “In vitro dissolution test”.

The in vitro release of nicotine from compositions E-J in percentage of the total content of nicotine are stated in the table below:

COMPO- Compo- Compo- Compo- Compo- Compo- Compo- SITION sition E sition F sition G sition H sition I sition J Nicotine 6.00 6.00 6.00 4.00 4.00 6.00 content (mg) In vitro 2.6 2.6 2.6-2.7 1.8 1.6-1.7 3.0 release, 30 min (mg) Percentage 43% 43% 43-45% 45% 40-42% 50% of released nicotine

Furthermore, comparison studies of the in vitro release profiles of nicotine from snuff bags containing snuff compositions according to the present invention and already marketed snuff bags were performed. In FIG. 4 the in vitro release profiles of nicotine from compositions F and H were compared with the in vitro release profiles of nicotine from the present marketed dry snuff bags “Catch® dry” and “general white” using the first of the above-mentioned in vitro release methods. FIG. 4 illustrates the improved in vitro release of nicotine from snuff compositions according to the present invention compared to both “Catch® dry” and “general white”: Snuff composition F which contains 6 mg nicotine releases significantly more nicotine than the already marketed products “Catch® dry” and “general white”. As the marketed products are natural products information of the exact content of nicotine is not available, but it is disclosed that the weight is 1 gram or less, the nicotine content is 5-11 mg, the pH is 7.3-8.5 and the buffer content is 1.5-3.5%.

In FIG. 5 the in vitro release rates of nicotine from snuff compositions E, F and G containing 6 mg of nicotine and snuff compositions H and I containing 4 mg of nicotine, were compared to the in vitro release rates of nicotine from “General” compositions 1, 2 and 3. Again, the snuff compositions according to the present invention exhibit a better release relative to the total content of nicotine in the composition/product.

Reference Example 3 In Vivo Uptake of Nicotine from Snuff Bag Containing Composition

A comparison study of the in vivo uptake of nicotine from the snuff product “General”, 4 mg Nicorette® chewing gum and a snuff bag comprising composition J was performed. Composition J contained 0.8% sodium hydrogen carbonate and 0.8% sodium carbonate. Blood samples were taken at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 minutes after application and the plasma concentrations of nicotine were determined by ABS laboratories, London, England. After addition of sodium hydroxide, the plasma samples were extracted with dichloroethane and nicotine was quantitatively determined by gas chromatography using a nitrogen/phosphorous detector. 5-methyl cotinine was used to internally standardize the procedure. The limit of quantification is 0.5 ng/ml.

The results are shown in FIG. 6. For comparison reasons the in vivo uptake of nicotine from the snuff product “General” was normalized to a nicotine content of 6 mg. FIG. 6 shows that over a time period of 30 minutes, the snuff bag containing composition J provides a plasma level of nicotine exceeding those of both “General” and Nicorette® 4 mg nicotine chewing gum.

Furthermore, a pilot pharmacokinetic study (n=4) in which the in vivo uptake of nicotine from snuff compositions G, J and I were compared to the in vivo uptake from Nicorette® 4 mg chewing gum. The result shown in FIG. 7 illustrates that the in vivo uptake of nicotine from each of these snuff compositions is significantly better than from Nicorette® 4 mg chewing gum.

Reference Example 4 Residual Amounts of Nicotine in Snuff Bags Comprising Snuff Compositions G, I and J In Vitro vs. In Vivo

Snuff bags comprising either of compositions G, I or J were subjected to either the above-mentioned in vitro dissolution test employing USP basket apparatus or the above-mentioned pilot pharmacokinetic assay in 30 minutes. Subsequently, the residual nicotine content in the snuff bags was investigated using a dissolution bath combined with a UV-detection on a spectrophotometer at 260 nm. The dissolution was determined according to the dissolution method for tablets USP (basket) using 500 ml water as dissolution medium and a temperature of 37° C.

The results are shown in the following table:

Composition Composition Composition Snuff composition I G J Measured nicotine assay (mg) 3.8 6.3 6.3 Mean in vitro residual amount 1.9 3.6 3.3 nicotine after 30 minutes (n = 2) (mg) Mean in vitro residual amount 50 57 52 nicotine after 30 minutes (n = 2) (%) Mean in vivo residual amount 1.98 3.06 2.84 nicotine after 30 minutes (n = 4) (mg) Mean in vivo residual amount 52 49 45 nicotine after 30 minutes (n = 4) (%) Diversion in vitro vs in vivo −2 +8 +7 (% vs %)

It follows from the figures in the above table, that the residual amount of nicotine in the snuff bags after 30 minutes of in vitro dissolution test is between 50% and 57% of the initial content of nicotine, i.e. between 43% and 50% of the nicotine has been released in the in vitro dissolution test. It further follows that the residual amount of nicotine in the snuff bags after 30 minutes of the in vivo pharmacokinetic study, is between 45% and 50% of the initial content of nicotine, i.e. between 45% and 50% of the nicotine has been absorbed in the bloodstream.

Reference Example 5 Comparison of Nicorette 4 mg Gum with MCC-Nicotine Containing Snuff Composition with 5 mg Nicotine

Single dose pharmacokinetics was studied in four subjects in comparison to Nicorette 4 mg gum (FIG. 8). FIG. 8 shows the results from a single dose pharmacokinetic study in four subject comparing Nicorette® 4 mg chewing gum with a snuff composition containing MCC-nicotine corresponding to 5 mg nicotine after oral application.

The bioavailability of nicotine from the nicotine snuff composition appears higher that that seen for the Nicorette® composition even if the different in dosage is taken into account.

The following example is included to demonstrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples that follow represent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be considered to constitute preferred modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Loading Nicotine on a Cellulose and Simultaneous Agglomeration of the Particles

2.40 ml nicotine is dissolved in 25 ml ethanol (99.5%). 47.6 g MCC of type PH-102 is loaded into a high-speed mixer and the nicotine solution is slowly added with a flow in a range of from about 0.05 to about 10 ml/min (the faster rotation, the faster addition of the solution) When all of the solution is added, the mixer is run for a time period of at the most 5 min. The obtained wetted material is subject to drying in vacuum and a, white powder of nicotine-microcrystalline cellulose combination is obtained. The mean particle size of the combination is analysed by size analysis or the like.

REFERENCES

All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, and composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Specific Embodiments Include the Following Items

1. A method for the preparation of a nicotine-cellulose combination, the method comprising

i) dissolving a nicotine in a solvent, ii) mixing the thus obtained solution with a cellulose having a mean particle size of less than about 180 μm in a high-shear mixer to simultaneous load the nicotine on the cellulose and agglomerate the particles to obtain a nicotine-cellulose combination having a mean particle size of from about 200 μm to about 500 μm and with a load of nicotine of at least 5% v/w.

2. A method according to item 1, wherein the solvent is a volatile solvent.

3. A method according to item 1, wherein the solvent is an alcohol.

4. A method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the solvent is ethanol in a concentration of at least 95% v/v such as, e.g. at least 98%, at least 99% or about 99.5% v/v.

5. A method according to any of the preceding items carried out in a high-shear mixer.

6. A method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the mixing is continued for at the most 1 hour/kg cellulose employed.

7. A method according to any of the preceding item, wherein the temperature in the mixer is at the most about 30-40° C.

8. A method according to any of the preceding items, wherein at the most 10% such as at the most 5% of the nicotine-cellulose combination obtained has a particle size of 200 μm or less.

9. A method according to any of the preceding items further comprising drying the mixture resulting from step ii) by means of vacuum drying at the most at room temperature.

10. Use of a nicotine-cellulose combination as defined in any of items 1-9 for the preparation of a snuff composition for achievement of a fast onset of action of nicotine after application of the snuff composition to the oral cavity of a subject.

11. Use according to item 10, wherein the composition has a high release rate so that when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test about 45% or more of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes.

12. Use according to item 10 or 11, wherein the onset is within 5 minutes such as, e.g. within 4 minutes, within 3 minutes, within 2 minutes or within 1.5 minutes after application of composition between the lip and the teeth of a subject.

13. Use according to any of items 10-12, wherein the nicotine-cellulose combination is enclosed in a membrane material.

14. Use according to item 13, wherein the membrane is a natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic hydrophilic or hydrophobic membrane.

15. Use according to item 12 or 13, wherein the membrane is made from one or more biocompatible and physiologically acceptable polymeric material.

16. Use according to any of items 12-15, wherein the membrane material is selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate and derivatives thereof, carboxymethyl cellulose, polycellulose ester, other cellulose derivatives including ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polymers of methacrylates and acrylates, natural rubber, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyamide and nylon.

17. Use according to any of items 10-16, wherein the nicotine is nicotine (free base) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, complex, or derivative thereof.

18. Use according to any of items 10-17, wherein about 50% or more such as, e.g., about 60% or more, about 70% or more or about 75% or more of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes when subjecting the composition to an in vitro dissolution test.

19. Use according to any of items 10-18, wherein the composition—when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test—releases about 45% or more such as, e.g., 50% or more within 20 minutes.

20. Use according to any of items 10-19, wherein the composition—when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test—releases about 20% or more such as, e.g., about 25% or more within 10 minutes.

21. Use according to any of items 10-20 for buccal administration.

22. Use according to any of items 10-21, wherein the in vivo release of nicotine 30 minutes after buccal administration corresponds to at least about 30% of the total content of nicotine in the snuff.

23. Use according to any of items 10-22, wherein the in vivo release of nicotine 30 minutes after buccal administration corresponds to at least about 35% such as, e.g., at least about 40%, at least about 42%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70% or at least about 75% w/w of the total content of nicotine in the snuff.

24. Use according to any of items 10-23, wherein the cellulose of the nicotine-cellulose combination comprises internal voids and/or pores.

25. Use according to item 24, wherein said voids and/or pores at least partially comprise said nicotine.

26. Use according to any of items 10-25, wherein the cellulose is a cellulose derived from a plant, an algae, a bacterium, a fungi, or combinations thereof

27. Use according to any of items 10-26, wherein the cellulose has a surface area of at least 0.7 m²/g.

28. Use according to any of items 10-27, wherein the cellulose is a crystalline cellulose including a microcrystalline cellulose.

29. Use according to any of items 10-28, wherein said cellulose is a microcrystalline cellulose, which is selected from the group consisting of AVICEL® grades PH-100, PH-102, PH-103, PH-105, PH-112, PH-113, PH-200, PH-300, PH-302, VIVACEL® grades 101, 102, 12, 20 and EMOCEL® grades 50M and 90M, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

30. Use according to item 28 or 29, wherein said microcrystalline cellulose is synthetic or semi-synthetic celluloses, or it is derived from natural celluloses.

31. Use according to any of items 10-30, wherein the mean particle size of the cellulose is in a range of from about 15 to about 250 μm.

32. Use according to any of items 10-31, wherein nicotine is at least partly sorbed on the cellulose.

33. Use according to any of items 10-32, wherein nicotine is present in the composition in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.1% w/w to about 8% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 6% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 1.5% w/w, from about 0.2% w/w to about 1.0% w/w or from about 0.2% w/w to about 0.8% w/w, calculated as free base.

34. Use according to any of items 10-33, wherein the nicotine-cellulose combination is present in a concentration from about from about 80% w/w to about 98% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 85% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 90% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 92% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 93% w/w to about 97% w/w or from about 94% w/w to about 96% w/w.

35. Use according to any of items 10-35, wherein the composition further comprises one or more sweeteners in a concentration from about 0.01% w/w to about 0.2% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.01% w/w to about 0.15% w/w, from about 0.02% w/w to about 0.12% w/w, from about 0.03% w/w to about 0.11% w/w, from about 0.04% w/w to about 0.1% w/w, from about 0.05% w/w to about 0.1% w/w, from about 0.06% w/w to about 0.1% w/w or from about 0.07% w/w to about 0.09% w/w.

36. Use according to item 35, wherein the concentration of the one or more sweeteners in the composition is about 0.08% w/w.

37. Use according to any of items 10-36, wherein the composition further comprises one or more flavouring agents such as mint flavour.

38. Use according to item 37, wherein the concentration of the one or more flavouring agents in the composition is from about 1% w/w to about 15% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w, from about 1.5% w/w to about 8% w/w, from about 2% w/w to about 6% w/w or from about 3% w/w to about 5% w/w.

39. Use according to item 38, wherein the concentration of the one or more flavouring agents in the composition is about 4% w/w.

40. Use according to any of items 10-39, wherein the composition further comprises one or more buffering agents such as, e.g., a carbonate, a hydrogen carbonate or a phosphate including a triphosphate.

41. Use according to item 40, wherein the concentration of the one or more buffering agents in the composition is from about 0.1% w/w to about 5% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.2% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.3% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.4% w/w to about 3% w/w, from about 0.5% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.6% w/w to about 1% w/w or from about 0.7% w/w to about 0.9% w/w.

42. Use according to item 41, wherein the concentration of the one or more buffering agents in the composition is about 0.8% w/w.

43. Use according to any of items 10-42, wherein the composition further comprises one or more anti-oxidants in a concentration of from about 0.4% w/w to about 2.4% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.5% w/w to about 2.2% w/w, from about 0.6% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.7% w/w to about 1.8% w/w or from about 0.8% w/w to about 1.6% w/w.

44. A snuff composition comprising a nicotine-cellulose combination and one or more acceptable excipients, wherein the nicotine-cellulose combination has a mean particle size of 200 μm or more such as, e.g., in a range of from about 250 van to about 500 μm.

45. A snuff composition according to item 44, wherein the composition—when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test as described herein for 30 minutes about 45% or more of the total content of nicotine is released.

46. A snuff composition according to item 44 or 45, wherein the nicotine-cellulose combination is enclosed in a membrane material.

47. A snuff composition according to item 46, wherein the membrane is a natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic hydrophilic or hydrophobic membrane.

48. A snuff composition according to item 46 or 47, wherein the membrane is made from one or more biocompatible and physiologically acceptable polymeric material.

49. A snuff composition according to any of items 46-48, wherein the membrane material is selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate and derivatives thereof, carboxymethyl cellulose, polycellulose ester, other cellulose derivatives including ethylcellulose, propylcellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polymers of methacrylates and acrylates, natural rubber, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyamide and nylon.

50. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-49, wherein the nicotine is nicotine (free base) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, complex, or derivative thereof.

51. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-50, wherein about 50% or more such as, e.g., about 60% or more, about 70% or more or about 75% or more of the total content of nicotine is released within 30 minutes when subjecting the composition to an in vitro dissolution test.

52. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-51, wherein the composition—when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test—releases about 45% or more such as, e.g., 50% or more within 20 minutes.

53. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-52, wherein the composition—when subjected to an in vitro dissolution test—releases about 20% or more such as, e.g., about 25% or more within 10 minutes.

54. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-53 for buccal administration.

55. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-54, wherein the in vivo release of nicotine 30 minutes after buccal administration corresponds to at least about 30% of the total content of nicotine in the snuff.

56. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-55, wherein the in vivo release of nicotine 30 minutes after buccal administration corresponds to at least about 35% such as, e.g., at least about 40%, at least about 42%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70% or at least about 75% w/w of the total content of nicotine in the snuff.

57. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-56, wherein the cellulose of the nicotine-cellulose combination comprises internal voids and/or pores.

58. A snuff composition according to item 57, wherein said voids and/or pores at least partially comprise said nicotine.

59. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-58, wherein the cellulose is a cellulose derived from a plant, an algae, a bacterium, a fungi, or combinations thereof

60. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-59, wherein the cellulose has a surface area of at least 0.7 m²/g.

61. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-60, wherein the cellulose is a crystalline cellulose including a microcrystalline cellulose.

62. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-61, wherein said cellulose is a microcrystalline cellulose, which is selected from the group consisting of AVICEL® grades PH-100, PH-102, PH-103, PH-105, PH-112, PH-113, PH-200, PH-300, PH-302, VIVACEL® grades 101, 102, 12, 20 and EMOCEL® grades 50M and 90M, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

63. A snuff composition according to item 61 or 62, wherein said microcrystalline cellulose is synthetic or semi-synthetic celluloses, or it is derived from natural celluloses.

64. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-63, wherein the mean particle size of the cellulose is in a range of from about 15 to about 250 μm.

65. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-64, wherein nicotine is at least partly sorbed on the cellulose.

66. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-65, wherein nicotine is present in the composition in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% w/w, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.1% w/w to about 8% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 6% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.1% w/w to about 1.5% w/w, from about 0.2% w/w to about 1.0% w/w or from about 0.2% w/w to about 0.8% w/w, calculated as free base.

67. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-66, wherein the nicotine-cellulose combination is present in a concentration from about from about 80% w/w to about 98% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 85% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 90% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 92% w/w to about 98% w/w, from about 93% w/w to about 97% w/w or from about 94% w/w to about 96% w/w.

68. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-67, wherein the composition further comprises one or more sweeteners in a concentration from about 0.01% w/w to about 0.2% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.01% w/w to about 0.15% w/w, from about 0.02% w/w to about 0.12% w/w, from about 0.03% w/w to about 0.11% w/w, from about 0.04% w/w to about 0.1% w/w, from about 0.05% w/w to about 0.1% w/w, from about 0.06% w/w to about 0.1% w/w or from about 0.07% w/w to about 0.09% w/w.

69. A snuff composition according to item 68, wherein the concentration of the one or more sweeteners in the composition is about 0.08% w/w.

70. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-69, wherein the composition further comprises one or more flavouring agents such as mint flavour.

71. A snuff composition according to item 70, wherein the concentration of the one or more flavouring agents in the composition is from about 1% w/w to about 15% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 1% w/w to about 10% w/w, from about 1.5% w/w to about 8% w/w, from about 2% w/w to about 6% w/w or from about 3% w/w to about 5% w/w.

72. A snuff composition according to item 71, wherein the concentration of the one or more flavouring agents in the composition is about 4% w/w.

73. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-72, wherein the composition further comprises one or more buffering agents such as, e.g., a carbonate, a hydrogen carbonate or a phosphate including a triphosphate.

74. A snuff composition according to item 73, wherein the concentration of the one or more buffering agents in the composition is from about 0.1% w/w to about 5% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.2% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.3% w/w to about 4% w/w, from about 0.4% w/w to about 3% w/w, from about 0.5% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.6% w/w to about 1% w/w or from about 0.7% w/w to about 0.9% w/w.

75. A snuff composition according to item 74, wherein the concentration of the one or more buffering agents in the composition is about 0.8% w/w.

76. A snuff composition according to any of items 45-75, wherein the composition further comprises one or more anti-oxidants in a concentration of from about 0.4% w/w to about 2.4% w/w, such as, e.g., from about 0.5% w/w to about 2.2% w/w, from about 0.6% w/w to about 2% w/w, from about 0.7% w/w to about 1.8% w/w or from about 0.8% w/w to about 1.6% w/w. 

1. A method for the preparation of a nicotine-cellulose combination, the method comprising i) dissolving a nicotine in a solvent, ii) mixing the thus obtained solution with a cellulose having a mean particle size of less than about 180 μm in a high-shear mixer to simultaneously load the nicotine on the cellulose and agglomerate the particles to obtain a nicotine-cellulose combination having a mean particle size of from about 200 μm to about 500 μm and with a load of nicotine of at least 5% v/w.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the solvent is a volatile solvent.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the solvent is an alcohol.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the solvent is ethanol in a concentration of at least 95% v/.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the mixing is carried out in a high-shear mixer.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the mixing is continued for at the most 1 hour/kg cellulose employed.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature in the mixer is at the most about 30-40° C.
 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein at the most 10% of the nicotine-cellulose combination obtained has a particle size of 200 μm or less.
 9. A method according to claim 1, further comprising drying the mixture resulting from step ii) by means of vacuum drying at the most at room temperature.
 10. A method according to claim 4, wherein the solvent is ethanol in a concentration of at least 98%.
 11. A method according to claim 4, wherein the solvent is ethanol in a concentration of at least 99%.
 12. A method according to claim 8, wherein at the most 5% of the nicotine-cellulose combination obtained has a particle size of 200 μm or less. 